RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS AFFECTING THE ADJUSTMENT OF SIBLINGS OF CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC DISABILITIES

Objective: To examine the adjustment of nondisabled siblings of handic apped children. Method: In a 3-year longitudinal study, 46 siblings of children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), 45 siblings of children with Down syndrome, and 46 siblings of developmentally normal children (serving as controls) were examined at time 1 using the sibl ing, primary caretaker, and teacher as informants. Both direct and ind irect variables related to sibling adjustment were considered. Results : Significantly more difficulties were found in the siblings of childr en with PDD compared with the other two groups. Different correlates o f adjustment were present in the siblings of the disabled compared wit h nondisabled children, and mediating factors differed in parent and t eacher reports of internalizing difficulties in siblings of children w ith PDD. Marital satisfaction, lack of parental depression, a cohesive family, and a warm, nonconflictual sibling relationship were protecti ve for normal control and Down syndrome siblings but not for PDD sibli ngs. Conclusion: Findings underline the risks for the siblings of chil dren with PDD and suggest the importance of a transactional mechanism rather than identification of single risk or protective factors in pre dicting sibling adjustment. Subsequent data analysis in this longitudi nal study will assist in defining these mechanisms and allow for impro ved intervention strategies.